Congrats, Challenge Winners!
Kaua‘i World Challenge paddler exchange in Po‘ipu. Photo courtesy Katherine Ho
Congratulations to patrol officers Joseph Russell Himongala and Makana Rivera, recognized as officers of the month at the most recent Police Commission meeting. The two were lauded for their efforts during the heavy rains that hit Kaua’i in March. Himongala and Rivera responded to a call of a vehicle submerged in water off Loop Road in Wailua, with two people inside. The truck was submerged and surrounded by fast-moving water roughly 40 meters off shore, according to a county release. Holding onto a rope, Rivera was nearly pulled into the river, but with the help of other officers, firefighters and bystanders, the two were pulled safely out of the water. Nicely done! …
I’d like to give a shout out to the several Kaua’i hotels that recently participated in an “Olympic” challenge based on per-capita employee Kaua’i United Way 2011 campaign contributions, and raised $53,577 for Kaua’i United Way. Winners were: Aston Aloha Beach, Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation and St. Regis Princeville resorts. Olympic winners received certificates entitling them to food and beverage credits, room stays and other rewards. Kaua’i United Way Campaign director and community liaison Lynnette Medrano-Stine voiced her gratitude. “We are tremendously grateful to the management and staff … especially to the Olympic Challenge winners for achieving successful campaigns,” she said. The best part is the money raised on Kaua’i stays on Kaua’i. To learn more, go to Kauaiunitedway.org or call 245-2043 …
Officer of the Month Joseph Russell Himongala (center), Officer Damien Loo (left) and Chief Darryl Perry. Amanda C. Gregg photo
Young Brothers and Hawaiian Tug and Barge will accept applications for community grants of up to $3,000 for nonprofit community organizations on Kaua’i. The grants are part of a community gift-giving program established by the companies in 2001. Application forms and information are available at youngbrothershawaii.com or at 3020 Wa’apa Road in Nawiliwili. Deadline for applications is 4 p.m. July 13. Completed applications can be faxed to 246-1021 or dropped off at the aforementioned address. For more information, call Wendell Kam at 245-4051 …
Kaua’i County is promoting a free, all-day tour from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 17 to educate the public in an innovative way of recycling on this island. Based on a similar project on O’ahu called “Tour de Trash,” the goal of this tour is to raise public awareness and help facilitate more informed public discussions and decision-making in terms of solid waste. The tour is limited to 20 participants and reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To make a reservation, call 241-5120. Lunch costs $12, from Waimea Grove Café – participants, however, can “brown bag” their food …
Kids are often the best detectives, as they’re full of curiosity. For the investigative mind in your household, take note of the upcoming Gene-ius Day workshop put on by the Biotechnology Outreach Program of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m. May 19 at Kaua’i Community College in Puhi. The program is intended for Kaua’i children in grades 1 through 6, and offers hands-on activities for keiki (and accompanying parents up to third grade) to learn about DNA, genetics, molecular structure and the function of genes and other biological functions. Students will extract DNA from fruit, make a DNA model, and use DNA to solve an “out of this world” crime. Project leader Ania Wieczorek says the program was designed to teach genetics in a fun, easy-to-remember way. Cost is $20 per child and $20 per chaperone. Registration deadline is May 11, and reservations are required.
Noah Thielen, Zachary Jumper, Taimana Kjeldsen and Sydney Ito in a sack race at Koloa Early School. Photo courtesy Robin Jumper
It will be a high-end, female-friendly, limo-riding and mimosa-sipping day May 19, as the Zonta Club of Hanalei will host its annual luxury ladies spa day featuring massages, facials, yoga, Pilates, personal fitness training, pool and hot-tub time, flower-arranging, and watercolor art classes at Kaua’i Nani Estate at Kalihiwai Ridge Estates in Kilauea. Gift certificates featured include the St. Regis at Princeville, among others. Day passes (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) cost $125 each, and are available at Robin Savage Pearls in Hanalei, Hanalei Bay Massage, Sweet Marie’s Bakery in Lihu’e, and Dolphin Touch Wellness Center in Kapa’a. For more information, call Barbara Watts at 826-4032 or email bjkauai@hotmail.com. To learn more, go to zontaclubofhanalei.com …
Congratulations to Kaua’i students Tosha Taylor and Joseph Camelo, who were recognized by the Hawaii State Senate for having been chosen Club Winners for the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii Youth of the Year Program … Kukui Grove Center recently donated $2,500 to Kaua’i Independent Food Bank. The donation will help support the Boys and Girls Club in Kapa’a to run the Backpack Program, where youths get backpacks filled with nutritious food every Friday in time for the weekend. The program is in its fifth year and includes Ni’ihau. Keiki Café, a project where meals are prepared and served in an after-school setting, also is supported through the Boys and Girls Club in Waimea. Kukui Grove Center showcases 60 shops and restaurants, and is set on nearly 50 acres, allowing both local residents and visiting guests to enjoy a unique and comfortable shopping experience plus weekly events, including Aloha Friday entertainment and local farmers Monday Market. For more information, call 245-7784, or go to KukuiGroveCenter.com …
It was adorable watching keiki at Koloa Early School have a field day during their annual Mini Olympics. Forty-two children participated in several activities including sack races, bike riding, obstacle courses, wagon pulls, running and hopping races. So cute! We at MidWeek Kaua’i love hearing about these kind of life events, so keep ’em coming …
